“Art needs space,” is one of the many corny phrases I love to say. In this case, it’s couldn’t be more appropo. After the The Things We Carry exhibition, I moved to a new studio, Circa Atelier. This has really helped me level up on so many fronts. I now have access to professional grade equipment like a slab roller and an extruder. What really made a difference is being surrounded by like-minded makers. I feel free to experiment and make the weird things I love.
Let’s nerd out on the technical aspects of this project first. My original idea is to make a multi-functional piece that hold a candle stick, tea light and incense stick. All things I like to light and burn. (My fascination with fire started at a young age, but we will talk about that another time.) The design concept came relatively quickly, but at that time, I lacked the skills. Check out an older post, Memphis on My Mind for the initial prototypes. This evolution is now the deluxe version in terms of production. The tea light holder cup was thrown on the wheel, the candle stick holder was extruded, and the saucer/incense holder was created using a combination of slab roller and wheel. Very Planes, Trains and Automobile, I know. True to my nature of not being able to leave well enough alone and the insatiable need for more.
In addition to the physical space, the metaphorical space, aka my mind, had been expanded as well. While making the three-in-one Light My Fire, I felt the urge to make something bigger. Here we go again… Sharing the design concept with my fellow studio mates, Andrea and Amy, another piece was born. It’s such a nice experience to be able to talk this over. Artists that are viewer thinkers got it right away. They asked so many good questions that helped my ideas solidify. Addressing the technical and functional needs along the way. Before I knew it, an entire collection was complete. They debuted at the holiday show at the studio. It’s called Where Joy Lives. I don’t think these are done yet. Plan to make a few more. For now, I think the circle has been rounded.
Light My Fire XL, centre-piece for candles and/or flowers or fruit or whatever you like on your table.
The candle holder is removable.
